Staging Your Home to Sell

Home Staging

Home staging is the act of preparing a private residence prior to going up for sale in the
real estate marketplace. The goal of staging is to
sell a home quickly, and for the most money possible by making a
home appealing to the highest number of potential
buyers. Staging focuses on improving a
property to make it appeal to the largest number of buyers by transforming it into a welcoming, appealing, and attractive product for sale. Many people believe that staging raises the value of a property by way of reducing the home's flaws, depersonalizing, de-cluttering, cleaning, improving condition items, and landscaping. For vacant homes, staging furniture is used to create a living space the buyer can "see" themselves living in. Properly executed staging leads the eye to attractive features while minimizing flaws.

Planned showing appointments will allow you time to prepare. But oftentimes, the window of opportunity to expose
your property to a motivated buyer can be small. So every time you leave your home, make sure it is ready for an unexpected showing.

General Preparation

When preparing your home, think about the techniques used to show builders' model homes or what you might do to prepare for honored guests.
Review pointers from "First Impressions" checklist, particularly regarding cleanliness, clutter, and repairs - interior and exterior.
Create as light, cheerful and serene an environment as possible Open drapes and light lamps including those in closets, basement or attic.
Add a welcoming touch by filling candy dishes and putting out fresh flowers

Bedrooms

Make beds, put clothes and toys away, keep decorator pillows orderly.

Turn blinds so slats are uniformly open. Put on light if room is dark.

Bathrooms

Put out a clean hand towel, fresh soap and soap dish.

Put the commode lid down and ensure tissue supply is adequate.

A Potpourri dish can provide a nice sight and scent.

Kitchen

Put away last minute dishes and conceal countertop articles.

Simmer a few drops of vanilla on stove.

Dining Room

Arrange inviting centerpiece.

Consider setting the table with fine china and linen.

Light chandelier.

Living Room/Family Room/Den

Straighten pictures on walls.

Adjust couch cushions and throw pillows.

Dispose of newspapers and drink containers, and polish tabletops.

Light fireplace in winter

Entry way

When exiting just before buyers arrive, turn around at front door and see what the prospect's first impression will be. What is the first thing you notice from that vantage point? Is it an asset?

Notify your neighbors of scheduled open house days and assure them they'll be welcome. Their eagerness to discover decorating ideas for their own homes may actually result in them turning up a buyer among their friends.